Mauritius Passenger Transport Companies

Mauritius Passenger Transport Companies

Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, has a relatively well-developed passenger transport system considering its size and geography. The country’s transport infrastructure includes a mix of public and private operators that serve both local residents and international tourists. Passenger transport companies in Mauritius play a crucial role in ensuring mobility across the island.

Public Bus Services

The National Transport Corporation (NTC) is one of the main state-owned passenger transport providers in Mauritius. Established in 1979, the NTC operates an extensive network of buses covering both urban and rural areas. It runs more than 400 buses, serving thousands of passengers daily. The NTC is crucial for affordable transportation, especially for students, senior citizens, and lower-income groups.

In addition to NTC, there are several private bus companies operating under permits from the National Transport Authority. These include:

Rose Hill Transport Ltd (RHT): One of the oldest and most respected private operators, RHT offers bus services mainly in the central and western regions. The company also runs premium buses with air conditioning and Wi-Fi for corporate clients and tourists.

Triolet Bus Service Ltd (TBS): Operating primarily in the northern region of the island, TBS is known for its punctual service and wide route coverage.

United Bus Service Ltd (UBS): Serving the southern and eastern parts of Mauritius, UBS has been in operation for decades and plays a significant role in connecting smaller villages with larger towns.

Light Rail and Taxis

In recent years, Mauritius introduced a light rail system called the Metro Express, which is operated by Metro Express Ltd (MEL), a government-owned company. The Metro Express began operations in 2019 and connects major urban areas such as Port Louis, Rose Hill, and Curepipe. This project is part of a broader initiative to modernize the island’s transport and reduce road congestion.

Taxis in Mauritius are also a popular mode of passenger transport. While not organized under a single company, taxi cooperatives and associations manage fleets in various regions. Taxis are widely used for both local commutes and airport transfers.

Ride-Hailing and Tourism Transport

Ride-hailing services such as Yugo and Taxi Mauritius have emerged, offering app-based booking systems similar to Uber. These services cater mostly to tourists and upper-income locals looking for comfort, convenience, and digital payment options.

Tour operators such as Mautourco and Coquille Bonheur also provide dedicated transport services for tourists, including airport shuttles and guided tours. These companies operate modern vehicles and employ multilingual drivers trained in hospitality.

Conclusion

The passenger transport landscape in Mauritius is diverse and continually evolving. While traditional bus companies still dominate public transport, newer services like the Metro Express and app-based ride-hailing are reshaping mobility on the island. Together, these companies ensure that both residents and tourists can travel across Mauritius conveniently, safely, and efficiently.